Too Lit to Politic

Office politics are a natural part of working inside any organization. Politics (from Ancient Greek πολιτικά (politiká) ‘affairs of the cities’) is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of status or resources.

In the workplace, politics can be positive or negative.

Positive politics includes behaviours designed to influence others with the goal of helping both the organization and the individual. Examples include portraying a professional image, publicizing accomplishments, volunteering, and complimenting others. Organizational politics can increase efficiency, form interpersonal relationships, expedite change, and benefit both the organization and its members.

Negative politics involves behaviors aimed at personal gain at the expense of others and the organization. Examples include spreading rumors, talking behind someone’s back, and withholding important information. Such actions can negatively impact social groupings, cooperation, information sharing, and other organizational functions.

The overall direction and function of the organization can be a contested topic by those who hold the power within the organization. To succeed in an organization, age old advice is to “play the game”. What happens when the game changes? What happens when the rules of the game not followed?

In 2025, for multiple reasons I sense a shift in the matrix. Vibe shift. The rigid bureaucracies of the ZIRP era are no longer compatible with the demands of modern society. Call it (fourth industrial) revolution, call it effective acceleration, it’s just change.

It seems few and far between that generational shifts occur. In my lifetime I can only point to ’99-01 and ’07-08 – and as an adolescent I was not prepared to seize the new era. History doesn’t repeat itself but it certainly does rhyme. How can we prepare ourselves to live our best lives in the new era of work?

The next generation of leaders will be operating under a new technological paradigm and political framework. We can not be certain what the future holds, but we can prepare for it. What will be the tactics and strategies to succeed in the new era?